subscriptionshttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/5805/all
enApple Reportedly Working with Shazam on New iOS Song ID Featurehttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/apple_reportedly_working_shazam_new_ios_song_id_feature
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/shazam_listening_620px.png" alt="Shazam listening" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple rumors tend to vary wildly between fact and total fiction, but here's one of them we would certainly like to see: a partnership with Shazam to make it even easier to discover music with an iPhone.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-17/apple-said-to-prepare-song-id-feature-for-iphone-software.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg today reported</a> that Apple is working on a new song discovery feature for an upcoming iOS update that will allow iPhone or iPad users to identify a song just by having the device listen to it for a few seconds.<br /><br />If that sound familiar, it should: An app called Shazam has long allowed for just such a feature, and Apple is said to be working in tandem with developer Shazam Entertainment Ltd. for the rumored feature.<br /><br />The key difference is that downloading the Shazam app will no longer be required — instead, the technology will be baked right into iOS itself, much in the same way Apple has with Facebook, Twitter, and Vimeo. This method would also allow Shazam's song identification technology to work with Siri, presumably by asking "What song is playing?"<br /><br />Shazam and Apple spokespeople declined to comment on this enticing prospect, which could wind up being introduced as part of this year's iOS 8, expected to first be unveiled during Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in early June.<br /><br />The same report closes with claims that Apple has already internally built a subscription-based music service similar to Spotify, Rdio, and Beats Music, but one source claims Cupertino is hesitant to release it for fear of accelerating already declining download sales.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/apple_reportedly_working_shazam_new_ios_song_id_feature#commentsGalleryNewsApple Inc.digital musicdiscoveryidentificationiOS 8music searchRumorsShazamSiriSongssubscriptionsWWDC 2014iPadiPhoneiPodThu, 17 Apr 2014 13:03:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19768 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Amazon Cloud Drive, Kindle Storage, Office 365 Personalhttp://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/overnight_recap_amazon_cloud_drive_kindle_storage_office_365_personal
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/amazon_cloud_drive_10gb_620px.png" alt="Amazon Cloud Drive storage bump" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The Apple Online Store went down in many parts of the world overnight, and eager shoppers were discouraged to find nothing new when the lights came back on. That is, unless they happened to be in the market for one of those affordable 8GB iPhone 5c handsets, which have now shown up in 14 more countries — but the USA is sadly not one of them, so you'll have to be satisfied with our morning recap instead...</p><h3>Amazon Cloud Drive 3.0 App Receives iOS 7 Makeover</h3><p>Now that Amazon's Fire TV is on the market, the company's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/amazon-cloud-drive-photos/id621574163?mt=8" target="_blank">Cloud Drive Photos</a> app makes a whole lot more sense — and it finally got updated this week with a complete redesign that falls nicely in line with the look and feel of iOS 7. The photo and video app now features easier navigation and sorting, with better status updates for automatic or manual uploads. And that's not all, as our second of three Amazon-related tidbits reveals...</p><h3>Own a Kindle? Your Cloud Drive Just Got Bumped to 10GB</h3><p>Amazon has another treat for readers who own Kindle hardware: <a href="http://www.imore.com/amazon-merging-kindle-documents-and-cloud-drive-10gb-combined-free-storage" target="_blank">According to iMore</a> (and confirmed with the above screenshot snapped from our own account), the e-tailer is consolidating the 5GB of free cloud storage used for Kindle Personal Documents with that offered by Cloud Drive, which winds up as 10GB for all usage. Send-to-Kindle documents now appear in a dedicated Cloud Drive folder and are finally stored in their native format, but you will need to currently own or have previously owned Kindle hardware to take advantage of the storage bump.</p><h3>BGR Claims to Have First Peek at Amazon Smartphone</h3><p><a href="http://bgr.com/2014/04/15/amazon-smartphone-photos-specs-kindle-phone-exclusive/" target="_blank">BGR may have given the world its first glimpse</a> at an Amazon-branded smartphone on Tuesday, which is rumored to use up to six cameras to provide some form of glasses-free 3D for its custom user interface. The leaked pictures don't reveal a great deal about the handset, which is encased in a security housing to prevent prying eyes from getting a close look at what it actually looks like. Rumors have persisted for years that Amazon is building their own smartphone, which will likely debut in the U.S. only at first and could arrive in more than one variety to cover every budget.</p><h3>Microsoft Launches Cheaper Office 365 Personal Subscription</h3><p>Too cheap to pay $99.99 for Office 365 when you don't have a family to share it with? <a href="http://blogs.office.com/2014/04/15/office-365-personal-now-available-and-unlocks-editing-and-document-creation-on-ipad/" target="_blank">Microsoft has heard your cries for help</a>, and on Tuesday the Windows maker made it a little easier to subscribe with the new Office 365 Personal plan at $69.99 per year or $6.99 per month. The stripped-down package provides Office access to a single Mac or PC as well as one tablet plus 20GB of extra OneDrive storage. While it's a step in the right direction, clever shoppers can already purchase the more robust Office 365 Home subscription for around the same price <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SPTUW2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=3G11WNAVC5XPF&amp;coliid=I2WF3118TVL0WZ&amp;psc=1" target="_blank">if they know where to look</a>, which is a much better value for up to five computers, five tablets and five OneDrive users. We're just sayin'...</p><h3>A&amp;E, History for iOS Add Authenticated Live Streaming</h3><p>If you're paying for cable or satellite service but don't have the time to sit on the couch and stay caught up with your favorite TV shows, the folks at <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/a-e/id571711580" target="_blank">A&amp;E</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/history/id576009463" target="_blank">History</a> have great news for you. The free, universal iOS apps can now stream live television feeds straight to an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad — but cord-cutters can forget about using it. The feature requires authentication with a paid TV service, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise, since most every kind of television app does these days.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/overnight_recap_amazon_cloud_drive_kindle_storage_office_365_personal#commentsGalleryNewsA&EAmazonAmazon Cloud DriveApp StorehistorykindleOffice 365overnight recapsmartphonessubscriptionsiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 16 Apr 2014 12:49:32 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19758 at http://www.maclife.comNew York Times Launching NYT Now iPhone App, Premier Digital Service Next Weekhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/new_york_times_launching_nyt_now_iphone_app_premier_digital_service_next_week
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/new_york_times_cleaning_sign_620px.png" alt="New York Times sign" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The Grey Lady is stepping up its mobile game with two new subscription-based initiatives the newspaper hopes will keep readers paying for content, even if they don't actually get the paper edition.<br /><br /><a href="http://investors.nytco.com/press/press-releases/press-release-details/2014/The-New-York-Times-Announces-April-2-Launch-of-Next-Phase-in-Paid-Digital-Products-Plan-with-New-Entry-Level-Product-and-Premium-Tier-Digital-Subscription-Service/default.aspx" target="_blank"><em>The New York Times</em> announced Tuesday</a> a pair of new digital-only products that will bring subscription-based content into the hands of smartphone and tablet owners in what the publication hopes will be unique and interesting ways.<br /><br />Launching on April 2, NYT Now is an $8 per month standalone subscription that provides readers with unlimited access to curated content, but only when using the company's new NYT Now app for iPhone and iPod touch. The publishers claim the new offering is for readers "seeking more content than is currently available for free but at a lower price than the full news report."<br /><br />For news hounds looking for the full Monty, Times Premier is a $45 per month subscription service offering "the highest level of connection to <em>The Times</em> available," which includes behind-the-scenes access and exclusive benefits. Home delivery subscribers can add Premier service for only $10 extra per month.<br /><br />Times Premier subscription perks include the ability to gift a 12-week All Digital Access pass to up to three friends per year as well as share full access with two additional family members. A four-pack of handpicked, themed crossword puzzles and access to two free TBooks per month is also included.<br /><br />"Our goal with this next phase of our paid products strategy is to satisfy the demand for <em>Times</em> journalism by giving new subscribers the ability to choose the amount of access they desire at a price point that suits them, and to enhance the value we offer our current loyal subscribers," remarked Mark Thompson, chief executive officer, The New York Times Company, in a press release.<br /><br />NYT Now and Times Premier will be available next Wednesday, April 2.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/new_york_times_launching_nyt_now_iphone_app_premier_digital_service_next_week#commentsNewsApp StoreAprildigital productsiPhone appsnew york timesNewspapersNYT NowperkssubscriptionsTimes PremieriPadiPhoneiPodThu, 27 Mar 2014 13:03:08 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19631 at http://www.maclife.comAmazon Said to Chat Up Music Labels About Streaming Servicehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/amazon_said_chat_music_labels_about_streaming_service
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/amazon_music_label_620px.png" alt="Amazon Music label" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>E-tailer Amazon is toying with the idea of raising the price of its annual Prime subscription, but will the company offer customers any additional benefits along with the price hike? A new report claims music streaming could be in the cards.<br /><br /><a href="http://recode.net/2014/02/27/amazon-talks-to-music-labels-about-a-streaming-service/" target="_blank">Re/code reported Thursday</a> that Amazon has been actively circling the music industry in the hopes of launching a streaming service similar to the one it already offers for movies and television shows.<br /><br />While this isn't the first time such rumors have surfaced, industry sources claim the company is "now engaged in more serious talks with big music labels" over the past few months.<br /><br />Unfortunately, any launch plans may be some ways off yet: A source at one of the music labels claims they're nowhere close to cutting a deal with Amazon, who is apparently looking for a "substantial discount" on price compared to what rivals Spotify, Rhapsody and Beats Music pay.<br /><br />Amazon recently told investors the company is considering a price hike for its Prime service, which offers free two-day shipping as well as a burgeoning catalog of movie and TV show content for $79 per year. The e-tailer could raise that fee by as much as $40 per year, putting it closer to $119 per year -- but knowing Amazon, there will likely be some further value added before they do so, and streaming music could be just the ticket.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/amazon_said_chat_music_labels_about_streaming_service#commentsNewsAmazonAmazon PrimeDealsdigital musicmusic labelsmusic streamingNegotiationsstreaming musicsubscriptionsFri, 28 Feb 2014 12:34:49 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19448 at http://www.maclife.comHoliday Recap: Bump, HERE Maps, Vdio Closures, Watch ABC, aTV Flashhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/holiday_recap_bump_here_maps_vdio_closures_watch_abc_atv_flash
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/watch_abc_620px.png" alt="Watch ABC" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Welcome back! We're just starting to shake off our holiday slumber from the last two weeks, and if you happened to avoid the internet for the last 14 days, you actually missed a surprising amount of tech news tucked away among the festive meals, gifts and family visits -- including a trio of services that are saying goodbye to the iOS platform. Let's dive in and kick off the New Year, MacLife.com style!</p><h3>Bump, Flock Apps Shutting Down at End of January</h3><p>Users of the popular social-networking app Bump <a href="http://blog.bu.mp/post/71781606704/all-good-things" target="_blank">received a nasty year-end surprise last Tuesday</a> with last week's announcement that both Bump and photo-sharing app Flock will be discontinued effective Jan. 31, 2014. The apps appear to be a victim of their own success after being acquired by Google three months ago, with the developers "now deeply focused on our new projects" inside the search giant. Existing users will have the option of exporting their data out of the apps prior to the shutdown, at which point both titles will be purged from their respective App Store and Google Play shelves.</p><h3>ABC Streaming App Now Requires Cable Subscription</h3><p>Disney-owned TV network ABC is starting off the New Year on something of a miserly kick, <a href="http://watchabc.go.com/info" target="_blank">announcing over the weekend</a> that on-demand viewing of its shows through the free Watch ABC app will now be restricted to those with a cable or satellite subscription. Although the app will continue to serve up clips to everyone, viewing the mostly recently aired episodes will require logging in using one of eight different service providers, including AT&amp;T U-verse, Comcast XFINITY or Verizon FiOS. Select markets will also have the ability to watch live television through mobile devices, but thus far only in eight cities.</p><h3>Nokia Yanks HERE Maps, Blames iOS 7 for Poor User Experience</h3><p><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/27/nokia-kills-here-maps-blames-ios-7/" target="_blank">Engadget is reporting</a> that Nokia has chosen to remove its HERE Maps app from the App Store, citing "recent changes to iOS 7" the Windows Phone maker claims "harm the user experience." HERE Maps appeared just over a year ago as one of several solutions for iPhone users plagued by Apple's revamped Maps app, which has come a long way since then. Oddly, Nokia now recommends that HERE Maps fans use the mobile web version of the service instead, which performs most of the same tasks with the exception of offline data.</p><h3>FireCore Restores Untethered aTV Flash for Apple TV</h3><p>It's been quite awhile since the folks at FireCore have been able to serve up an untethered jailbreak for the latest and greatest version of Apple TV software, but the past weekend brought a nice surprise in the form of <a href="http://blog.firecore.com/11550" target="_blank">new versions of TV Flash (black) and Seas0nPass</a> to accomplish just such a task. While there's still no solution for third-generation Apple TV boxes, the second-gen model can now be jailbroken without the need to be connected to a computer at boot, even with the latest version 5.3 software. The developer does briefly mention some "encouraging progress" has been made on the newer hardware, so 2014 could bring even more surprises ahead.</p><h3>Rdio Closes Up Shop on Companion Video Service Vdio</h3><p>Last but not least, the holiday break also saw the demise of Vdio, a streaming video service from the folks at streaming music provider Rdio. On December 27, the service abruptly shut down, with <a href="http://help.vdio.com/customer/portal/articles/1399889-end-of-vdio-beta-faq" target="_blank">a FAQ page noting</a> that the service was "not able to deliver a differentiated customer experience or a business model which was attractive to shareholders." Unfortunately, the shutdown means customers won't have access to their content anymore, but Vdio is providing refunds in the form of Amazon gift cards, presumably so users can repurchase their movies and TV shows from a service that will be around for a while. However, Rdio users who purchased content using VIP promotional credits are out of luck. Easy come, easy go, as they say.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/holiday_recap_bump_here_maps_vdio_closures_watch_abc_atv_flash#commentsNewsApple TVaTV Flash (black)BumpGoogleHERE MapsnokiaShutdownsubscriptionsVdioWatch ABCweekend recapiPadiPhoneiPodMon, 06 Jan 2014 13:46:49 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18983 at http://www.maclife.comFormer MobileMe Members Finally Have to Pay Up for iCloud Storagehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/former_mobileme_members_finally_have_pay_icloud_storage
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/icloud_storage_upgrades_620px.png" alt="iCloud storage upgrades" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end -- and today, the free 20GB iCloud storage ride is officially over for former MobileMe members, who must now start paying up like the rest of us.<br /><br /><a href="http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5527?viewlocale=en_US&amp;locale=en_US" target="_self">Apple posted a support document to its website Tuesday</a> detailing the expiration of a complementary storage plan extended to former MobileMe members since the service was shut down in 2011.<br /><br />"Former MobileMe members received a complimentary storage plan after moving to iCloud between October 12, 2011, and August 1, 2012," the support document reads. "On September 30, 2013, the complimentary iCloud storage plans expired and were automatically adjusted to the free 5 GB plan. If you already purchased a storage plan, no further action is required."<br /><br />That previously free 20GB storage bump will now cost MobileMe members $40 per year just like everyone else, although Apple also offers options for 10GB for $20 per year as well as 50GB for $100 per year.<br /><br />And before you former MobileMe members go whining about how Apple is screwing you over, keep in mind that the 20GB freebie was extended an extra year last September, which is a pretty sweet deal if you ask us.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/former_mobileme_members_finally_have_pay_icloud_storage#commentsNews20GBApple Inc.cloud storagecomplimentaryiCloudmembersMobileMeOctoberstorage upgradessubscriptionsiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 01 Oct 2013 14:00:01 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18201 at http://www.maclife.comAdobe Passes 1M Paid Creative Cloud Members, Confirms Hardware Planshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_passes_1m_paid_creative_cloud_members_confirms_hardware_plans
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/adobe_photoshop_photography_bundle_620px.png" alt="Adobe Photography Program" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>This week's news can't all be about new iPhones, so thankfully Adobe let loose with a plethora of news during its quarterly earnings report, which includes new software offerings and firming up plans for new hardware products.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2013/09/thank-you-for-joining-us-on-this-journey.html" target="_blank">Adobe announced Tuesday</a> that its subscription-only Creative Cloud service has now passed the one million premium members mark worldwide, with millions more using the company's free tier as well.<br /><br />To celebrate the occasion, Adobe is now selling the previously announced <a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/photoshopdotcom/?p=6976" target="_blank">Photoshop Photography Program subscription</a>, which offers Photoshop CC and Lightroom along with 20GB of cloud storage, Behance ProSite and access to training resources for only $9.99 per month for customers who sign up through the end of the year.<br /><br />Speaking of Lightroom, <a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/lightroomjournal/2013/09/lightroom-5-2-now-available.html" target="_blank">Adobe has also updated the photo-centric application for Mac and Windows to version 5.2</a>, adding support for 19 more cameras as well as enhancements such as a new Feather control for the Spot Removal tool and a Smoothness adjustment to the Color Noise Reduction portion of the Detail panel.<br /><br />Perhaps the biggest news out of Adobe this week is the company has <a href="http://blogs.adobe.com/creativelayer/?p=4311" target="_blank">shored up its plans to get into the hardware business</a>, with the Project Mighty cloud-connected pen and Project Napoleon digital ruler products expected to ship in the first half of next year. No pricing or other details have been announced yet, but expect further announcements in the months to come.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_passes_1m_paid_creative_cloud_members_confirms_hardware_plans#commentsNewsAdobeCreative Cloudcreative cloud updatesLightroom 5PhotographyProject MightyProject NapoleonsubscriptionsMacWed, 18 Sep 2013 13:07:20 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18091 at http://www.maclife.comMicrosoft Debuts Xbox Music Apps for Web, iOS, Androidhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_debuts_xbox_music_apps_web_ios_android
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/xbox_music_apps_620px.png" alt="Xbox Music" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>With the release of the Xbox One fast approaching, Microsoft is crossing its I's and dotting its T's by releasing an official Xbox Music app for iOS and Android, offering fans another way to rock out while on the go.<br /><a href="http://news.xbox.com/2013/09/ent-xbox-music-ios-android-free-streaming" target="_blank"><br />Microsoft announced Sunday</a> that Xbox Music is heading toward its first anniversary, and to celebrate, the console maker is expanding to both the web and mobile devices, bringing 30 million tracks to a whole lot more users.<br /><br />Best of all, the <a href="http://music.xbox.com/" target="_blank">web-based version of Xbox Music</a> is available free to everyone with a web browser, which will soon include a Radio feature for discovering new music or creating favorite playlists. Radio is expected to launch later in the year.<br /><br />The bigger news for smartphone users is the debut of a free Xbox Music app for the iPhone and Android, which allows ad-free streaming, playlist creation and more. One thing the apps won't do — at least not yet — is download music for offline playback, but Microsoft promises that feature is coming soon.<br /><br />While Xbox Music is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xbox-music/id669515221?mt=8" target="_blank">now available on the App Store</a>, there are a couple of caveats: First, it's not a universal app, so there's no native iPad support quite yet. Second, you'll need an Xbox Music Pass subscription to actually use the app, which is $9.99 per month after a 30-day free trial. (Access to the web-based version, however, is free to everyone.)<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/microsoft_debuts_xbox_music_apps_web_ios_android#commentsNewsandroidApp StoreiPhone appsMicrosoftmusic appsmusic streamingsubscriptionsweb browsersXbox MusiciPhoneiPodMacMon, 09 Sep 2013 13:29:46 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17987 at http://www.maclife.comVideo: Spotify Connect Allows Users to Beam Music Anywhere in the Homehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_spotify_connect_allows_users_beam_music_anywhere_home
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/spotify_connect_620px.png" alt="Spotify Connect" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Spotify has officially entered "take no prisoners" mode with a new feature for iOS users that allows Premium subscribers to shift their music into any room, assuming they have the right hardware.<br /><a href="http://press.spotify.com/se/2013/09/03/spotify-connect-the-new-way-to-play-at-home/" target="_blank"><br />Spotify today announced</a> a new feature for the company's iPhone, iPod touch and iPad app called Spotify Connect. Together with supported hardware from leading manufacturers, Connect promises to make putting music where you want to hear it "simple, seamless and hassle-free."<br /><br />“Today, listening to music at home can be a frustrating experience -- dropouts, below-par audio quality, signal range and phone restrictions, battery drainage, it’s basically a hassle,” says Sten Garmark, VP Product Management at Spotify. “Spotify Connect solves this by giving you effortless control of your music across your phone, tablet and now speakers with millions of songs built right in.”<br /><br />To take advantage of Spotify Connect, you'll first need the right hardware -- the feature will be baked into new lines of speakers and home audio systems from Argon, Bang &amp; Olufsen, Denon, Hama, Marantz, Philips, Pioneer, Revo, Teufel and Yamaha, with other brands coming in the future.<br /><br />The AirPlay-style feature looks pretty slick from the company's promo video, but users will also need an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad with a Spotify Premium subscription, although Connect is rolling out gradually "over the coming months," when it will also debut on both Android and desktop apps.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WWT4o9AwuT0" width="620" height="349" frameborder="0"></iframe>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/video_spotify_connect_allows_users_beam_music_anywhere_home#commentsNewsairplayaudio hardwareaudio systemsmusic streamingPremiumspeakersSpotifySpotify ConnectsubscriptionsiPadiPhoneiPodTue, 03 Sep 2013 14:33:56 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17935 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: iWork for iCloud Access, Feedly Pro, Chromecast Blockinghttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_iwork_icloud_access_feedly_pro_chromecast_blocking
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iwork_for_icloud_beta_check_back_soon_620px.png" alt="iWork for iCloud check back soon" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>So there's a rumor making the rounds that Apple might actually release iOS 7 (and maybe even the new iPhone) on September 10, the date when many expect Cupertino to hold its next media event. As much as we'd love for that to be true, we're just skeptical enough to want to ignore such chatter as the mad ramblings of Apple fanboys -- but it would be an interesting surprise from a company who has been a little light on rabbits in its hat these days. While you ponder that, let's get to the recap!</p><h3>Apple Limits iWork for iCloud Access, Citing "Overwhelming Response"</h3><p><a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/08/26/apple-limiting-access-to-iwork-for-icloud-beta-due-to-overwhelming-response/" target="_blank">As first noted by 9to5Mac on Monday</a>, it appears Apple may have moved too quickly in quietly opening the iWork for iCloud beta to everyone with an Apple ID. The web-based Pages, Numbers and Keynote still appear for iCloud users, but in a cruel twist of fate, clicking on them throws up an error: "Sorry… We've had an overwhelming response to [App Name] for iCloud beta. Please check back soon." While users won't be able to actually use the web apps, they can continue storing files in iCloud just fine, so it's not entirely bad news.</p><h3>Feedly Pro Subscriptions Again Live for Everyone</h3><p>If you're among those counting on Feedly to become the de facto Google Reader replacement, you might have been bummed out earlier this month when the company started offering Pro accounts, only to yank them away later the same day. Wipe those tears away, my friend, because <a href="https://cloud.feedly.com/#pro" target="_blank">Feedly Pro</a> is now available to anyone willing to shell out $5 per month or $45 per year. So what does that hard-earned cash get you? In addition to premium "front of the line" support, Pro users will also be able to save to Evernote or Pocket with a single click, as well as search Feedly feeds with ease. There's plenty more on the radar, and Feedly promises not to abandon the free version most of us are currently using.</p><h3>Chromecast Update Blocks Android Streaming App</h3><p><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/25/4657202/google-blocks-chromecast-app-that-let-you-stream-own-videos" target="_blank">The Verge is reporting</a> that Google may already be clamping down on what folks can do with its $35 Chromecast dongle after kneecapping an Android app called AllCast, which managed to reverse engineer its way into being able to directly stream content from a smartphone or tablet. That's all changed with a recent update to the hardware, but Google says a formal SDK is on the way: "We’re excited to bring more content to Chromecast and would like to support all types of apps, including those for local content. It's still early days for the Google Cast SDK, which we just released in developer preview for early development and testing only. We expect that the SDK will continue to change before we launch out of developer preview, and want to provide a great experience for users and developers before making the SDK and additional apps more broadly available."</p><h3>Marvel Unlimited Doubles Offline Storage, Adds Browse by Date</h3><p>Marvel Entertainment released an update to its free <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/marvel-unlimited/id607205403?mt=8" target="_blank">Marvel Unlimited</a> app for iOS on Monday, finally doubling the number of comic book issues than can be saved offline to 12. Sure, we're still hoping for more one day, but that's a pretty good step forward for now. Version 1.2 also allows browsing comics by publication date, perfect for those times when you know exactly when an issue was published but can't remember the exact name. Of course, as usual you'll need a Marvel Unlimited subscription to get any use out of the app, which is now ready and waiting in the App Store.</p><h3>Plex Serves Up Mobile Apps for $1.99 Today</h3><p>If you have a whole bunch of videos, music or photos and aren't currently streaming them to your iOS device via Plex… why not? There's no better time than the present, since <a href="http://elan.plexapp.com/2013/08/25/back-to-school-with-plex/" target="_blank">the universal app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad is on sale</a> for a mere $1.99 through the rest of Tuesday, August 27 as part of a rare, two-day back to school sale to help students ease the suffering of heading back to their formal education. Of course, that means the rest of us can also enjoy the savings on this normally $4.99 app -- so grab it while it's hot!<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_iwork_icloud_access_feedly_pro_chromecast_blocking#commentsNewsapp dealsApp StoreChromecastFeedlyGoogleiWork for iCloudMarvel Unlimitedovernight recapPlexSDKsubscriptionsiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 27 Aug 2013 12:34:24 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17880 at http://www.maclife.comPodcast Subscriptions Surpass 1 Billion Milestone on iTuneshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/podcast_subscriptions_surpass_1_billion_milestone_itunes
<!--paging_filter--><p>It's only been a couple of months since Apple's announcement that the App Store had passed <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/app_store_downloads_surpass_50_billion_milestone" target="_blank">50 billion</a> downloads, and now it's announcing that more than 1 billion users now subscribe to podcasts available through iTunes. In celebration, it's letting users download what may be called the "greatest hits" of the platform's podcast through a special tab on the iTunes store.</p><p>According to MacWorld (as reported by <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2013/07/22/apple-reaches-podcasting-milestone-with-1-billion-subscribers/" target="_blank">MacRumors</a>), all those subscriptions are scattered across 250,000 podcasts in over 100 different languages, with around eight million individual episodes available for the choosing. Apple noted that podcasting has "transformed the global media landscape" with subjects running the gamut from "comedy to hard news to sports to innovative educational content and so much more."</p><p><img src="/files/u334114/2013/07/podcasts.jpg" width="620" height="293" /></p><p>The numbers above likely received significant boosts with the Podcast app that was introduced with iOS 6, which made the process of finding the best podcast for your interest infinitely easier. This devotion to the medium's particularly impressive since Apple doesn't make any money off of podcasts directly, although the producers can support themselves through advertising and promotions.</p><p>Podcasts first made their appearance on the iTunes store way back in 2005. If you click on the "Podcasts" tab in iTunes right now, you'll find a wealth of enjoyable podcasts through the promotional banner. Looking for a good starting point? Consider user favorites like <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tedtalks-hd/id281315460?mt=2" target="_blank">TEDTalks</a>, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/this-american-life/id201671138?mt=2" target="_blank">This American Life</a>, and (yes, they're still around) <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/60-minutes-full-audio/id81210923?mt=2" target="_blank">60 Minutes</a>.</p><p><em> Follow this article's writer, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeifJohnson" target="_blank">Leif Johnson</a>, on Twitter.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/podcast_subscriptions_surpass_1_billion_milestone_itunes#commentsNewsiTunesPodcastssubscriptionsTue, 23 Jul 2013 01:34:32 +0000Leif Johnson17595 at http://www.maclife.comPirated Copies of Latest Adobe Photoshop CC Already Making the Roundshttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/pirated_copies_latest_adobe_photoshop_cc_already_making_rounds
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/adobe_creative_cloud_login_620px.png" alt="Adobe Creative Cloud login" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Well, that didn't take long: Only a day after its release, the new subscription-only Adobe Photoshop CC has been unshackled from the requirement to pay each month and is being pirated out in the open.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/6/20/4447916/adobe-photoshop-cc-pirated-in-one-day" target="_blank">The Verge reported Wednesday</a> that Adobe Photoshop CC has already fallen victim to piracy, with illegal copies now being shared via BitTorrent that circumvent the requirement of phoning home to Adobe in order to verify a paid subscription.<br /><br /><a href="http://petapixel.com/2013/06/19/adobe-photoshop-cc-has-apparently-been-cracked-one-day-after-launch/" target="_blank">According to Fstoppers</a>, the pirated version "takes advantage of the software's offline mode," which only pings Adobe HQ once a month for month-to-month subscriptions or 180 days for those with an annual commitment. Of course, being separated from the rest of <a href="https://creative.adobe.com" target="_blank">Adobe Creative Cloud</a> means the cracked version of Photoshop CC is without some of its superpowers, such as the ability to sync settings to the cloud.<br /><br />No doubt Adobe hoped to reduce piracy of its popular creative applications by switching to a new subscription-based model, which has paid off handsomely for Microsoft Office 365. The big difference is, Microsoft's productivity applications have yet to be pirated, although they remain available for purchase separately.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/pirated_copies_latest_adobe_photoshop_cc_already_making_rounds#commentsNewsAdobeAdobe Creative CloudbittorrentcrackedhackedOffice 365Photoshop CCpiracypiratedsubscriptionsMacThu, 20 Jun 2013 13:01:27 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17315 at http://www.maclife.comAdobe Announces Q2 FY2013 Earnings, 700K Creative Cloud Subscribershttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_announces_q2_fy2013_earnings_700k_creative_cloud_subscribers
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/adobe_headquarters_with_cloud_620px.png" alt="Adobe headquarters" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Monday's release of Creative Cloud 2.0 was not some random date on the calendar -- it preceded the announcement of Adobe's second-quarter financial results, which show that subscription-based software is growing quickly.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/201306/Q213Earnings.html" target="_blank">Adobe Systems Inc. announced Tuesday</a> that the company ended its fiscal Q2 2013 on May 31 with more than 700,000 paid Creative Cloud subscriptions, an increase of 221,000 from the prior quarter.<br /><br />Overall, Adobe fell on the higher end of its quarterly estimates, with $1.011 billion in revenue and net income of $76.5 million, suggesting the transition to Creative Cloud -- along with the company's Marketing Cloud initiative, which grew by more than 25 percent to $229.6 million for the quarter -- were succeeding.<br /><br />“Our Q2 results reflect our leadership position in Digital Media and Digital Marketing,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer, Adobe. “Creative Cloud is revolutionizing the creative process, and Adobe Marketing Cloud is quickly becoming the platform of choice for the world's leading brands, advertising agencies and media companies.”<br /><br />Adobe Creative Cloud brings together all of the company's core creative products and services in a $49.99 per month, subscription-based package for Mac and Windows users. Monday saw the release of the company's first major update, and a shift away from the old business model of selling packaged software.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/adobe_announces_q2_fy2013_earnings_700k_creative_cloud_subscribers#commentsNewsAdobe Creative CloudAdobe SystemsCreative CloudQ2 2013Q2 financialsquarterly earningssubscriptionsMacWed, 19 Jun 2013 12:56:36 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17303 at http://www.maclife.comOffice 365 Finally Arrives on iOS, But Where's the iPad Version?http://www.maclife.com/article/news/office_365_finally_arrives_ios_wheres_ipad_version
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/office_mobile_for_iphone_620px.png" alt="Office Mobile for Office 365" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Microsoft Office has officially come to iOS, but there are a couple of catches: First, you'll need an Office 365 subscription to use it, and second, it appears to only be for the iPhone, at least for now.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/office-mobile-for-office-365/id541164041?mt=8" target="_blank">Microsoft finally released the long-rumored Office Mobile on Friday</a>, a free iOS app for Office 365 subscribers to access and edit their Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents from anywhere.<br /><br />Unfortunately, it seems as if Microsoft forgot to pull the trigger on the more coveted iPad version of the app, given that there's only so much one can do from the palm of your hand. Curiously, Office Mobile for Office 365 is iPhone and iPod touch only for now, but judging from the screenshots and app description, the app delivers the full experience Office lovers have been looking for.<br /><br />You may not want to rush to download the app quite yet -- that is, unless you already subscribe to (or plan to in the future) Office 365, which is a requirement to get any utility out of Office Mobile. The app also appears to be strictly for U.S. customers as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/office-mobile-for-office-365/id541164041?mt=8" target="_blank">Office Mobile for Office 365</a> is a 58MB download now available from the App Store and requires an iPhone 4 or higher running iOS 6.1 or later.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/office_365_finally_arrives_ios_wheres_ipad_version#commentsNewsApp StoreExcelMicrosoftmicrosoft wordOffice 365Office MobilePowerPointproductivity appssubscriptionsiPhoneiPodFri, 14 Jun 2013 12:12:50 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17263 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle I/O Leaks Reveal Maps Overhaul, Spotify-Style Music Subscriptionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_io_leaks_reveal_maps_overhaul_spotifystyle_music_subscription
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_maps_better_with_use_200px.png" alt="Google Maps update leaked" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />The annual Google I/O developer conference kicks off in just a few short hours, but some of the search giant's big surprises appear to have already had their beans spilled all over the place.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4332724/google-maps-overhaul-leaks-ahead-of-i-o-conference" target="_blank">The Verge reported Wednesday</a> that a Google Maps overhaul appears to be in the cards for this year's Google I/O event, which kicks off at 9am PST (12pm EST). The leak follows advance word of a new music subscription service that may also get unveiled today.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.droid-life.com/2013/05/14/new-google-maps-sign-up-page-goes-live-briefly-reveals-some-new-details/" target="_blank">According to Droid-Life</a>, the new and improved Google Maps will now include "a tailored map for every search," with a user interface that more closely resembles the company's mobile apps. Also on deck are Google Earth-style overhead views, Flight Search, transportation comparisons and the possibility of restaurant suggestions en route to your destination.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the Google Maps leak has been plugged almost as quickly as it was discovered, but with I/O only hours away, Google should be dishing on what's new soon enough.<br /><br />Also expected is <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/14/4331110/google-lands-universal-music-sony-for-spotify-competitor" target="_blank">a new music subscription service</a> billed as a "Spotify competitor," with Google reportedly enlisting both Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, according to industry sources. Google is believed to have already inked a deal with the third major, Warner Music Group, earlier this year.<br /><br />Curiously, the deal involves both YouTube as well as Google Play, although the service is expected to be subscription-only with no ad-supported free model such as what Spotify currently offers.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of Droid-Life)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_io_leaks_reveal_maps_overhaul_spotifystyle_music_subscription#commentsNewsconferenceDevelopersFlight SearchGooglegoogle I/Ogoogle mapsleaksMusicnew featuressearchsubscriptionsMacWed, 15 May 2013 12:54:02 +0000J.R. Bookwalter16999 at http://www.maclife.com